Sports History Network

In 1954, tiny Milan High School beat Muncie High to win the Indiana State Basketball Championship and inspired the movie 'Hoosiers.'

In 2016, Northern Iowa gave up a 12 point lead in the final minute against Texas A&M and lost in overtime.

In 2010, Northern Iowa upset top-seed Kansas behind the hot shooting of Ali Faroukmanesh.

In 1934, Babe Didrikson faced 3 major league batters in an spring training exhibition.

In 1975, Texas Manager Billy Martin ordered his starting pitcher to plunk New York's Eliot Maddux. It led to a brawl later in the game.

This episode presents an inspiring exploration of resilience as we recount the remarkable journeys of two individuals who transcended formidable adversities to achieve greatness in the realm of football. At the heart of our discussion lies the story of Reggie Williams, who, despite facing childhood blindness, not only excelled on the field but also emerged as a significant figure in the NFL, redefining what it means to play with vision rather than sight. We juxtapose his narrative with that of Joe Donches, a young boy compelled to abandon his education in the wake of familial tragedy, who ultimately transformed his life through sheer determination and athletic prowess, culminating in an illustrious career as a College Football Hall of Famer and a renowned surgeon. These two accounts serve as poignant reminders that the trials of youth can serve as crucibles for extraordinary achievement, illustrating the indomitable human spirit. Join us as we delve into their inspiring legacies, revealing how they turned their respective struggles into platforms for success and influence within the sport.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Dartmouth
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Wyoming Seminary
4. Pitt Panther
5. University of Pittsburgh

Time for another random team challenge! This time, it's the 1989 Green Bay Packers. The team had their best season in almost two decades, led by Coach of the Year Lindy Infante.

Hello Old Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. Contact the show at [email protected] and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HelloOldSports

In 1993, LaBradford Smith scored 37 against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in a five point loss. It's supposed to be what happened after the game that led to the story.

In 1981, Danny Ainge went end-to-end to hit the game winning layup vs. Notre Dame to advance to the Elite Eight.

In 1955, Indianapolis' Crispus Attucks High School led by Oscar Robertson beat Roosevelt High (Gary, IN) to win the Indiana State High School Championship, becoming the first all-black team to win a state title in any integrated sport in the US.

In 1966, the all-black starting lineup of Texas Western beat the all-white Kentucky Wildcats to win the NCAA tournament.

In 1961, Bob Goalby set a PGA Tour record with 8 consecutive birdies. It wasn't until 2009 that his record was topped by Mark Calcavecchia's 9 straight.

In 1981, Carlton Fisk became a member of the Chicago White Sox.

In 1953, the Boston Braves packed up the moving vans and moved to Milwaukee.

In 1985, Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle were reinstated by new baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth.

In 1993, the Santa Clara Broncos featuring a baby-faced Steve Nash stunned Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

In 1983, NC State survived a 2OT scare against Pepperdine to advance in the NCAA Tournament.

In 1990, Loyola Marymount and Michigan combined for the highest scoring NCAA Tournament game.

Shawn Kemp should be in the Hall of Fame, if only his prime years could have lasted longer. He was unstoppable in the open court, but weight issues derailed his career when he should have been at his peak. This is the story of the Reign Man.

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"Rap Beat" by MaverickMyers

"Horizons" by Roa

SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

sportshistorynetwork.com

sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/

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BUSINESS CONTACT

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Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Yesterday's Sports, Mark and Dave travel back to the gritty, golden era of 1970s heavyweight boxing to revisit one of the most technical and debated rivalries in the sport: the Ali-Norton trilogy. Mark sits down with fellow sports historian Dave DePaolo to break down how Ken Norton, a former Marine and 5-to-1 underdog, went from a Joe Frazier sparring partner to the "Jaw Breaker" who shocked the world in San Diego.

From the nostalgic intro of Howard Cosell on Wide World of Sports to the shocking visual of Ali fighting through a broken jaw, they explore why this first clash set the stage for a three-year chess match that "The Greatest" never truly mastered.

The conversation shifts to the intense 1973 rematch at the Los Angeles Forum and the final 15-round war at Yankee Stadium in 1976. They dive deep into Norton’s unorthodox "cross-arm" defense and his peculiar habit of dragging his back foot—a style so puzzling that Ali admitted years later he couldn't figure it out.

They analyze the "judge-friendly" tactics Ali used to sway the scorecards, including his late-round flurries and psychological warfare, and debate whether the pro-Ali crowds and his legendary status influenced decisions that many historians still believe belonged to Norton.

Finally, they immerse you in the atmosphere of 1976 New York, a time when "The Bronx was Burning" and Yankee Stadium had just reopened its doors to host this historical rubber match. They discuss the "city issues" that almost halted the fight, the chaos in the aisles, and the legendary figures from Angelo Dundee to Chick Hearn who colored the broadcast.

Whether you remember watching these fights live on a Saturday afternoon or are hearing the legends for the first time, this episode is a nostalgic journey into the heart of boxing's most enduring stylistic quagmire.

You can read the full blog post here.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUND

Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.

No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)

In 1955, the Richard Riot started in Montreal. It was political bonfire with the suspension of Maurice 'the Rocket' Richard as the lit match.

In 1982, a horrible oversight during a routine knee surgery led to a respected French footballer slipping into.a coma for 39 years.

In 2012, Bolton's Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the field during an FA Cup match against Tottenham.

In 1973, the Philadelphia 76ers lost their 68th game of the season to set a new record. They eventually lost 73.

In 1963, Raymond Floyd won his first PGA Tournament at the age of 20 yrs, 6 months becoming the youngest to win on tour in 32 years.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stirling Roastery - This DiSH

This episode elucidates the pivotal moment in football history when the first touchdown pass was caught in the end zone, a significant event that transpired in 1912 following crucial rule changes. The conversation delves into the implications of these changes, particularly the introduction of end zones and the allowance of forward passes exceeding twenty yards. We explore the fascinating narrative surrounding the first touchdown pass caught in the end zone, tracing its origins to a game where the play was executed under the newly established regulations. Our esteemed guest, Timothy P. Brown of footballarchaeology.com, provides rich insights into the historical context and significance of this momentous occasion. We invite our listeners to appreciate the intricate tapestry of football history, reinforcing the notion that an understanding of the past is essential to avoid the repetition of prior mistakes.

The conversation is based on Tim's recent Tidbit: The First Touchdown Pass Caught In The End Zone.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Engaging with the historical dimensions of football unveils a rich narrative that is often overlooked in contemporary discourse. The conversation centers on the rule changes enacted in 1912, which fundamentally altered the landscape of the sport by allowing forward passes to traverse beyond the previously established twenty-yard limitation. This pivotal shift not only facilitated the introduction of end zones but also marked a significant evolution in offensive strategy, enabling players to catch passes within the confines of the end zone for the very first time. Timothy P. Brown, our esteemed guest, elaborates on the implications of these changes, recounting the momentous occasion of the first touchdown pass caught in an end zone—a milestone that exemplifies the dynamic interplay between regulation and gameplay. The episode also ventures into the narrative of the first forward pass caught in a regular season game, dispelling the notion that this event solely transpired in St. Louis. Brown's research reveals that the inaugural forward pass was, in fact, thrown at the University of New Hampshire, a revelation that not only challenges established myths but also highlights the importance of rigorous historical investigation. By unpacking these significant moments within football history, we gain insight into the tactical evolution of the game and the enduring impact of rule modifications on its development. The dialogue serves as a reminder that football is a living history, continuously shaped by the innovations and decisions of its players and officials. As the episode concludes, listeners are encouraged to delve deeper into the historical nuances of football through Brown's work, including his blog and published books. The conversation emphasizes the need for football enthusiasts to engage with the sport's rich history, fostering a greater appreciation for its evolution. By understanding the past, we can better comprehend the present and anticipate the future of football, ensuring that the legacy of this beloved sport remains vibrant and relevant. Through this exploration of football's history, we are invited to celebrate not only the game itself but also the myriad individuals and moments that have contributed to its enduring legacy. The episode ultimately champions the importance of historical awareness in cultivating a more profound connection to the sport we hold dear.

As a sports fan and more specifically a basketball fan, the month of march consists of making brackets and then after the first four days of the tournament, possibly ripping up those very same brackets.

It is a month of hoops, last second buzzer beaters and ultimately one shining moment.

For us here at the Historically Speaking Sports podcast, the month of March also means looking back on the best that the sport of college basketball has to offer From the Indiana Hoosiers perfect season to Christian Laettner's game winner against Kentucky and the unrivaled dominance of the UCLA Bruins led by Lew Alcindor (Later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Bill Walton and the "Wizard of Westwood" John Wooden.

Yet in this episode --- we are going to be treading into dangerous waters.

In this special March Madness edition of the Historically Speaking Sports Podcast Co-hosts Dana Auguster and Charles Combs will share their takes on basketball history that will certainly spark debate among the listeners as well as possible outrage.

Those so called dangerous waters that the hosts will be drifting into in this episode is putting together the starting five, one bench player and the coach of 12 of the most prestigious college basketball programs in history.

Some of the questions we will be tackling, who starts at point guard for Georgetown, Allen Iverson or Eric Sleepy Floyd.

Who will team up with Michael Jordan at the University of North Carolina?

Which two supremely talented guards will make up the back court for the University of Arizona which has a very rich history at those positions.

And which of the five Kentucky coaches that have won championships in Lexington be tapped to be the head coach of the ultimate collection of Wildcats.

All those questions and much more will be answered in this episode.

But there is a point to all of this. this is only part one of a two part series.

After the teams are constructed with lineups filled with legendary players, the second part of the series will feature a 12 team bracket and Charles and Dana will predict the winner of the tournament.

Then with the help of artificial intelligence it will determine a winner and we will compare our predications with AI.

Now how close they will come is yet to be seen. But....in this episode.... Charles and Dana will discuss and in some cases debate who is most deserving to be on their alma maters greatest collection of hoops talent.

So sit back and prepare to either be in agreement or in total outrage on who we select for the first annual Historically Speaking Sports Alumni Basketball tournament... right here on the sports history network.

To contact the show, you could write to us at [email protected]